The Labour Force, Australia, Spreadsheets (cat. no. 6202.0.55.001) product set includes time series data corresponding to the tables contained in the Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0) publication.

Following each Census of Population and Housing, the ABS selects a new sample for the Labour Force Survey. This is done to ensure that the sample continues to accurately represent the distribution of the Australian population. A new sample has recently been selected based on the 2006 Census. Detailed information about the new sample is provided in Information Paper: Labour Force Survey Sample Design (cat. no. 6269.0), which was released on 28 November 2007.

In order to reduce the potential impact of the change in sample on labour force statistics, the new sample is being introduced progressively, taking advantage of the existing rotation scheme. Using this scheme, the private dwelling sample in larger urban centres and less remote areas, representing approximately four-fifths of the total sample, will be phased in over the period November 2007 to June 2008. Within these areas, one-eighth of the new sample will be introduced each month under existing sample rotation arrangements.

The rest of the sample (in remote, less populated areas and for non-private dwellings) was introduced in two stages. The first stage, which occurred in March, was the introduction of this sample in New South Wales, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. The second stage, which occurred in April, was the introduction of this sample in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.

Analysis of the incoming and outgoing components of the sample indicates that the phasing in of the new sample has had minimal impact on the State and Territory estimates. Changes for remote, less populated areas and non private dwellings in March and April may have resulted in increased volatility in the affected states and territories.